Pires talking Turkey: Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires yesterday claimed he had not ruled out a move to Galatasaray after he was approached by the Turkish outfit.
The 32-year-old France international has spent five seasons at Arsenal since Arsene Wenger signed him from Marseille in 2000 but, with his contract set to expire next summer, the player is seeking the security of a two-year contract - a deal Arsenal are refusing to offer.
Pires told Le Parisien newspaper: "I received a proposal from the Turkish club's president. It is very interesting, I will study it. It offers me a three-year contract and I do not close the door on anybody."
Solskjaer's return
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may be on the brink of a first-team return, which could further lessen Manchester United's interest in Real Madrid striker Michael Owen.
The 32-year-old was not expected to be fit until October after being forced to have a second operation on the knee ligaments he damaged in September 2003. However manager Alex Ferguson said the Norwegian could even be available for selection for their opening Premiership game on August 13th.
Inter to unveil Figo
Real Madrid midfielder Luis Figo left the club's pre-season training camp in Austria yesterday to sign for Serie A side Inter Milan.
Real said the 32-year-old Portuguese international would undergo a medical with Inter and be presented to the Italian media tomorrow. Spanish media reported that Figo would sign a two-year deal with Inter for a reported salary of between €3.5 and €4.5 million a year.
Beckham Real stayer
David Beckham has insisted he wants to finish his career at Real Madrid, paving the way to negotiations over a two-year contract extension that would tie him to the club until 2009.
Reports in Spain suggested Beckham and Madrid president Florentino Perez are scheduled to begin negotiations in September with both Beckham and Perez extremely keen to extend the existing deal.
"I'm playing for the greatest club in the world and I want to carry on wearing their shirt in the future. I'm happy in Spain and at Real Madrid," said Beckham, who also claimed that his family had now fully settled in Madrid. "Their support has been essential in planning our lives here," he said.
Newcastle in for Coco
Newcastle United are discussing a deal to bring Italy full-back Francesco Coco to St James's Park from Inter Milan.
The 28-year-old did not figure regularly for the Italian side last season after spells at rivals AC Milan, Barcelona and Vicenza.
"Francesco Coco is flying into Newcastle from Italy today for talks," Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd confirmed yesterday.
While a new striker remains a priority for manager Graeme Souness, the blundering Intertoto Cup semi-final defeat to Deportivo La Coruna focused his mind on the need for a reliable left-back.
Jenas a target
Newcastle United are also bracing themselves for a transfer request from their England midfielder Jermaine Jenas and there is expectation within St James's Park that Tottenham will offer the necessary money - £10 million - to secure the 22-year-old's signature, reports Michael Walker.
Newcastle's expectation may be laced with optimism, however. Spurs showed genuine interest in Jenas several weeks ago, as did Arsenal, but neither north London club is likely to consider Newcastle's valuation cheap.
But with Newcastle apparently willing to sell for less than the £20 million quoted to Arsenal, they can anticipate an approach for Jenas from their north-east neighbours Middlesbrough.
Niemi makes peace
Antti Niemi has made his peace with Southampton and is ready to face Wolves in tomorrow's Championship opener.
The Finnish goalkeeper had looked set for a move to Celtic earlier this summer which collapsed over Southampton's refusal to budge on their £2 million valuation.
He then missed last week's 3-2 friendly win over Anderlecht at St Mary's, a pre-season photocall and a series of training sessions.
But rather than trying to force his exit from Harry Redknapp's squad, the 33-year-old insists he and chairman Rupert Lowe had resolved their dispute over the goalkeeper's contract with a mutually convenient agreement. In brief . . . .
Brighton have signed Republic of Ireland under-19 international Paul McGrane from Manchester United on a five-month loan deal. Greece international Nikos Dabizas has issued a "come and get me" plea to Celtic manager Gordon Strachan. The former Newcastle and Leicester defender is looking for a new club after a move to Anderlecht fell through. Rangers, meanwhile, have signed Monaco defender Julien Rodriguez (27) on a a four-year deal. Aston Villa goalkeeper Stefan Postma is poised to join Fulham on loan. Mexico striker Jared Borgetti (31) has completed his move to Bolton from Pachucha after passing a medical.
